Page 56 of Somewhere You Belong

“Or a scarecrow withyourface on it like I suggested in the first place. You seem to be keen on scaring people away. I’d still be playing darts and having fun if it weren’t for you.”

Dallas comes around the bar, standing so close to me that I have to crane my neck back to look up at him from my seat. But then he lowers his voice, dips his head down, and grates out, “I’m just looking out for you.”

“I didn’t ask you to do that. I’m a big girl, and I can handle myself just fine. And honestly, Dallas…those men are old and just looking to play darts. You can’t possibly be jealous? Can you?” I tease as a hiccup leaves my lips.

His eyes get even more narrow. “I’m not jealous.”

“Could have fooled me.”

We stare at each other as I continue to wonder why he had a problem with me hanging out with those men.

Was it because I was having fun? Was it because I was hanging out with men old enough to be my grandfather?

Or was it because I am in his bar, his town, and the house that he wants, and he doesn’t want me here?

“I’m ready,” Astrid says behind me, breaking our stare and the whiplash I’m experiencing every time I’m around this man.

Just the other day I thought he was going to kiss me. And then tonight, he looks like he’s about to kidnap me and lock me up in his basement.

“Yeah. Me too.” I stand up so my chest brushes against Dallas’s, who quickly steps back, suddenly aware that there are people all around us potentially watching our exchange.

“Get her home safe, Astrid.” He turns away from me, not bothering to glance in my direction again as he pushes through the door that leads to the kitchen and disappears.

“Oh boy…” Astrid clicks her tongue once we leave the restaurant and arrive at her car. After situating ourselves, she pulls out of the parking lot and heads for my house. “Did you say something to rile him up?”

“Nope. I played darts with three old men. Apparently that was enough of an offense.”

Astrid laughs. “God, I can’t wait until this blows up.”

“Nothing is going to blow up.”

“Uh, yes it is. There’s a storm brewing, Willow. And you’d better be prepared because I have a feeling you’ve never dealt with a man like Dallas before.”

Why do her words give me a thrill like it’s a challenge rather than a warning? A warning I shouldn’t ignore but, truthfully, deep down I hope to meet head-on.

Chapter eleven

Dallas

“God, you’re a life saver.” Parker rushes into the restaurant just after twelve, pulling his glasses from his nose and placing them on the bar next to him as he takes a seat right in front of the burger and fries I just finished making for him.

“Is the office that crazy?”

He takes a giant bite out of the burger, moaning as his eyes close. “When is it not?” he mumbles around his food.

“This is why I don’t have a pet.” I shake my head as I wipe down the bar in front of me. “Too much responsibility.”

He finishes chewing and then drains half of his Coke. “Not to mention you don’t have a place for one since you live in the apartment above this place.”

“That too.”

“Penn said he’s working on your house, though.” The lift of the corner of his mouth tells me all that I need to know—my dickheadbrother told my other dickhead brother about my current predicament involving Willow.

“It’s not my house…yet,” I add, even though my initial desire to take it from her is dwindling by the day.

“I have to say, it’s quite ironic that the owner leaves it to a woman that just so happens to get under your skin.”

My head spins toward him. “She doesn’t get under my skin.” But if I knew who the damn original owner was, I’d definitely bombard them for more information about where the heck she came from.

---